23-05-2025
Why the UK is facing a critical blood shortage
The UK faces a critical blood shortage, with O-negative reserves nearing depletion due to recent bank holidays impacting donations.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) warns of a potential "red alert," the highest warning level, if donations don't increase, which would limit operations to prioritise blood for emergency procedures.
Hospitals are down to less than three days' worth of O-negative blood, the universal blood type.
NHSBT urges eligible donors, especially those with O blood types, to book appointments immediately.
The combination of four bank holidays and half-term within six weeks significantly impacted blood supplies, alongside increased demand for O-type blood due to rising health conditions.
